Gajak is a much-loved confection from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, typically served during the winter season and to celebrate Makar Sankranti, one of the most auspicious days of the year. Gajak is essentially a blend of sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery cooked in sugar syrup. Preparing gajak requires technique and patience. But the payoff is well worth it!
This Gajak recipe stores well. You can store it in a casserole and eat later, and it will still taste as delicious as freshly prepared.
Health Benefits
One of the primary ingredients in gajak are sesame seeds. These seeds help prevent diabetes, improve bone strength, reduce blood pressure, and prevent a wide range of cancers. Sesame seeds are also a natural way to treat sleeping disorders due to their hefty magnesium and manganese content. Perhaps their most important benefits is that they improve blood circulation, treat depression and help the body detox.
Ingredients
cup roasted sesame seeds: 1/2
g sugar: 200
tbsp water: 2
cup halved cashews: 1/4
tbsp ghee: 2
How To Make Gajak
- Grease a rectangular tray with ghee and set aside.
- In a large heavy bottomed kadhai, dry roast sesame seeds on low heat till they turn brown.
- Combine sugar and ghee with two tablespoons of water.
- Cook on medium heat till it turns thick and syrupy.
- Remove from the heat and fold in the roasted sesame seeds and cashew nuts.
- Mix well and then transfer to the ghee coated tray. Level with a large flat spatula and cut into pieces while still warm.
Note: Once it has cooled down, you can separate the pieces and store in airtight containers.
- Serve and enjoy!
Trivia
The phrase, "Open sesame!" is from the Arabian Nights tales.